I have high standards, and I don’t take issue with that. I’m still learning the hard way that there are plenty of people (most people?) who will be standing in line for a chance to be tough and at times abusive with me, so why shouldn’t I handily beat them to the task? In all seriousness, productivity, inventiveness, and eventual success tend to be born out of my personal best, which most certainly includes self-critique and grueling labor.

When I pay even $1.00 for an app, I think it should do what it proposes. Often I am disappointed at money - any amount - "wasted" on an app that seemed like a good idea. An app should be well thought out and designed with specific purpose despite its advertised function.

I have to imagine that Fuse Powered Inc., who developed Zombie HQ as a universal app, have high standards for themselves when they design a game. In terms of function and style, Zombie HQ is a surprising and delicious package to unwrap.

The design details are subtle and still cohesive to the overall theme. The controls are effortless and straightforward. In first-person shooter mode, I clobber raving zombies with my loaded shotgun. The sound design is a seamless fit to the game’s overall concept. My feet echo as I traverse the tiled roof in Level 2. My gun sputters a gratifying pop when I make contact with the rotting husk of zombie flesh. The squish I hear when rubied zombie blood rushes out and falls in Pollockian splatters on the glinting tile is satisfying, too.

So many times the iPad and iPhone fail to connect me to the rudimentary experience of a game. Experience is an essential component to any app, especially to a game, and I frequently become frustrated when a game altogether misses this crucial element.

Zombie HQ is congruent with the fleshed out and streamlined style in which console video games have become incredibly adept. It’s not enough anymore to throw some generic graphics on a screen and expect to succeed in a rapidly growing and changing market. The average consumer is wise to this - wiser than we are offered credit. The notion of a narrative, however loosely threaded, is essential and even expected by gamers.

Zombie HQ understands this idea and has the forethought and vision to see it through to success. The game connotes thoughtfulness and simplicity in the most positive of senses.

Zombies are generally at risk for being too ingrained (no pun intended, actually, but since it’s out there) in our current cultural landscape. At present, they pervade pop culture, and their novelty and intrigue are waning into the fabric of everyday conversation. I can confidently say that Zombie HQ is not tiresome. While it doesn’t reinvent the zombie wheel, it fits into our Postapocalyptic-obsessed public life and represents well.

iPhone Screenshots

(click to enlarge)

iPad Screenshots

Review disclosure: note that the product reviewed on this page may have been provided to us by the developer for the purposes of this review. Note that if the developer provides the product or not, this does not impact the review or score.